According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, phishers send an email or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that you may deal with — for example, an Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a government agency. The message may ask you to “update,” “validate,” or “confirm” your account information. Some phishing emails threaten a dire consequence if you don’t respond. The messages direct you to a website that looks just like a legitimate organization’s site. But it isn’t. It’s a bogus site whose sole purpose is to trick you into divulging your personal information so the operators can steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.

DO NOT REPLY -- If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And don’t click on the link in the message, either. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open a new Internet browser session and type in the company’s correct Web address yourself. In any case, don’t cut and paste the link from the message into your Internet browser — phishers can make links look like they go to one place, but that actually send you to a different site.

PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER -- Make sure you have an up-to-date computer virus program AND a firewall to protect you and your computer. Some phishing emails contain viruses, worms or trojan horses that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge.

Rather than us going into a lot of detail about what they are, just look at what they're called: virus, worm, trojan horse. And suffice it to say that none of those things are what you want inside your computer.

One of the best and most reliable programs is produced by the McAfee Corporation. They have an online virus program that updates itself on a very regular basis - sometimes daily due to new virus threats being discovered. A firewall for your computer is like a firewall in a building; it is designed to keep bad stuff on the other side and out of the protected area. In this case the protected area is your computer.

You can find out more about McAfee's low-cost products by clicking this link: McAfee Security Products.

DO NOT EMAIL PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- Email is not a secure method for transmitting financial information. That's one reason we have Customer Service Representatives available for you by telephone, or you can visit them in person in any of our offices.

REVIEW YOUR CREDIT CARD STATEMENTS -- We live in a credit card and debit card society. While most identity theft does not occur on the Internet, some does. One way to stay abreast of your personal situation is to closely review your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges. If you see something suspicious, immediately notify your bank or credit card company.

HELP THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION -- If you receive a phishing email, forward it to spam@uce.gov.

Information is your best defense. At McGhee Insurance Agency, we want to provide you with information that will help you make the best choices for your life and your lifestyle. Our agents are trained to help you get the best identity theft coverage at the best possible price.